San Diego Natural History Museum

Get immersed in natural history and learn more about the world around you at the San Diego Natural History Museum, also known as The Nat.

Experience the San Diego Natural History Museum with Go City®

• Pay nothing at the gate – simply show your pass and you're in! 
• Includes access to all permanent exhibits and films in the Giant Screen Theater
• Enjoy four floors of interactive exhibits to explore
• Your pass also gives you access to many more attractions in San Diego, so don't forget to check them out

With four floors of interactive exhibits, featuring everything from fossils and dinosaur bones to rare books and animals, there’s something for everyone at The Nat. Your Natural History Museum San Diego admission includes access to all films played on the museum’s giant-screen, 300-seat theater with daily showings of 2D films.

Your San Diego Natural History Museum admission includes access to all films played on the museum’s giant-screen, 300-seat theater with daily showings of 2D films.

San Diego Natural History Museum highlights

Fossil Mysteries – San Diego is an archaeological hotbed, and was once a haven for the giants of prehistory: dinosaurs. Examine fossils and use archaeological tools to find the answers to the mysteries of bones and fossils. You’ll travel through a period of 75 million years, from the time of dinosaurs to the ice ages.

Coast to Cactus in Southern California – take an immersive walk through the major regions of southern California—coast, inland valleys, mountains, and desert—and celebrate the abundant variety of life found here.

Extraordinary Ideas from Ordinary People – a History of Citizen Science – learn about naturalists associated with the Museum and the impact their work and observations have had on science as we know it today. Rare books, art, photographs, historical documents, and plant and animal specimens are brought together to prove that everyone can participate in science.

Unshelved – get a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of The Nat's underground storage areas where 8 million historic specimens are held.

Go City is a better way to sightsee. Your pass includes San Diego Natural History Museum tickets, plus admission to dozens of top San Diego attractions for one money-saving price.

Getting in: head to either of the San Diego Natural History Museum entrances and simply present your pass at the ticketing counter to gain admission.

Please note:

• Your pass includes admission to feature films on the Giant-Screen Theater but does not include separately priced exhibitions and events
• In accordance with state guidelines, masks (or facial coverings) will not be required for fully vaccinated guests, unvaccinated guests are required to wear facial coverings.

For more information, visit the San Diego Natural History Museum website.

San Diego Natural History tickets help

Simply ask our help team if you have any questions. 

FAQs

Q. What are the operating hours of the San Diego Natural History Museum?
A. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Q. Is photography allowed inside the San Diego Natural History Museum?
A. Yes, photography is allowed for personal use only, but flash photography and tripods are not permitted.

Q. What type of exhibits can visitors expect to see at the San Diego Natural History Museum?
A. Visitors can expect to see exhibits on natural history, including dinosaurs, fossils, minerals, and California ecology.

Q. Is there a gift shop at the San Diego Natural History Museum?
A. Yes, there is a gift shop located inside the museum where visitors can purchase souvenirs, books, and other merchandise.

Q. Are food and drinks allowed inside the San Diego Natural History Museum?
A. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum, but there is a café located on the premises where visitors can purchase snacks and beverages.

Q. Is there parking available at the San Diego Natural History Museum?
A. Yes, there is a parking garage located adjacent to the museum with a daily fee, and street parking may also be available nearby.